animal spirits

American  

noun

1. exuberance arising from an excess of energy; vivacity and good humor.

   The children romped on the lawn, full of animal spirits.

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animal spirits British  

plural noun

1. cheerful and exuberant boisterousness

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Etymology

Origin of animal spirits

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

But if the war is wrapped up soon, Walsh sees animal spirits returning to boost both stock and bond markets.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

It’s on the supply-side, in a dearth of animal spirits and domestic competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

Hartnett also referenced the troubles in credit and private equity as examples of peak liquidity and animal spirits.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

It is a critical few months for the animal spirits in the economy to reignite.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

She had high animal spirits, and a sort of natural self-consequence, which the attentions of the officers, to whom her uncle’s good dinners and her own easy manners recommended her, had increased into assurance.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen